Camp Lejeune’s Alleged Toxic Legacy: One Woman’s Quest for Justice

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident is one of the largest water contamination issues in U.S. history. From August 1953 to December 1987, up to one million people who lived or worked at the Marine Corps base in North Carolina were allegedly exposed to a drinking water supply tainted with hazardous chemicals. These contaminants, including trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and benzene, have been linked to severe health problems such as cardiac defects and various types of cancer.

Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated from multiple sources. Waste from a nearby dry-cleaning facility and leaks from underground storage tanks on the base were the primary culprits behind the alarming levels of these colorless, odorless chemicals. The ATSDR’s investigation revealed that the concentrations of these toxic substances were extremely high, posing significant health risks to those who consumed the contaminated water.

The Lasting Impact on Veterans and Families

The consequences of this water contamination crisis have been devastating, with many veterans and their loved ones suffering from a range of ailments. One such victim was Leo Case, a World War II tank commander and recipient of the Navy Cross, the military’s second-highest recognition for valor. Despite his heroic service and surviving the Battle of Iwo Jima, Case ultimately succumbed to multiple cancers at the young age of 58, allegedly due to his exposure to the tainted water at Camp Lejeune.

Jessie Hoerman’s Collection of Camp Lejeune Archives

Jessie Hoerman, Case’s granddaughter, has dedicated the last two years to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for her grandfather and countless others affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis. As an attorney in St. Louis, Hoerman has been on a relentless mission to amass an extensive archive of records that could help substantiate the claims of affected veterans and their families.

Scouring for Evidence to Help Affected Veterans

Hoerman’s search for evidence has taken her to various sources, including eBay, antique stores, and national archives. She has painstakingly collected muster rolls, phone directories, yearbooks, and other materials that could help piece together the stories of those who served at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. This remarkable collection of documents has the potential to assist thousands of veterans and their families in their challenging water contamination claims.

Navigating the Bureaucratic Maze

Obtaining the necessary documentation to support water contamination claims has proven to be a daunting task, especially for the families of deceased victims. Hoerman has encountered numerous obstacles in her quest to retrieve medical, service, and housing records from the 1950s and 1960s. She describes the process as a “maze,” highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Leveraging the PACT Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

The recent passage of the PACT Act in 2022 has provided new avenues for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a provision of the PACT Act, has allowed victims to pursue litigation against the government if they can prove their presence at the base for at least 30 days during the contamination period and establish a link between their health issues and the tainted water.

The Voluntary Settlement Process

Last year, the Justice Department and the Navy announced a voluntary “streamlined process” to resolve Camp Lejeune water contamination claims. Through this process, the Navy makes settlement offers ranging from $100,000 to $550,000, based on specific diseases and the duration of time spent at the base. However, data shows that few people have received the justice they sought, as the Navy has received over 550,000 claims, offered settlements to 114 claimants, and settled only 81 of them.

Challenges in the Claims Process

According to Navy spokesperson Joe Keiley, many of the claims are potentially duplicate claims, and the “vast majority” do not contain enough proof of a medical diagnosis or the claimant’s presence at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the contamination period. Attorneys working on these claims have emphasized the challenges of retrieving the necessary historical records, especially for families of deceased victims.

The Pursuit of Justice for Victims of Camp Lejeune

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident is a tragic chapter in American history, with far-reaching consequences for veterans, their families, and the broader community. Jessie Hoerman’s unwavering pursuit of justice for her grandfather and thousands of others affected by this crisis serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of those seeking to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable. As the legal process continues to unfold, Hoerman’s remarkable collection of records could prove instrumental in securing the justice that has long been denied to the victims of this devastating environmental disaster.